HL Deb 20 March 2002 vol 632 cc146-7WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the statement on 26 February by Lord Falconer of Thoroton that "whether it is appropriate to publish the results [of the investigation] will depend on the results" (HL Deb, col. 1355), in what circumstances it would be (a) appropriate, and (b) inappropriate to publish the results of the internal investigation into the actions of civil servants in the press office of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. [HL3048]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The way in which the results of an investigation are handled will depend on the findings. Where an investigation leads to action being taken against an individual the results may become public. It would not be fair on individuals concerned if the results of an inconclusive investigation were made public.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they established the internal investigation into the actions of civil servants within the press office of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions; how many civil servants were involved; the dates on which they were interviewed; and whether they will publish the relevant guidelines for the procedure and the outcome to such a departmental investigation. [HL3050]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

On 15 February the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions instigated an internal investigation into the leaks which apparently took place from the department between 11 and 14 February. The investigation has been carried out by the department's security officer on the basis of existing central advice and guidance on the conduct of leak inquiries. Around 10 civil servants have been interviewed as part of this process. Interviews took place between 20 and 26 February 2002. Reports on internal investigations and the associated guidance, which is protectively marked, are not published.